The children of the Early Learning Centre together with their parents and teachers gathered at the British High Commission in Suva to pay tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

More than 30 students placed their bouquets and cards outside the commission yesterday.

The UK’s longest-serving monarch Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral on 8 September aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.

Pacific Nations School and Early Learning Centre, Fiji Education Specialist, Temesia Tuicaumia said being the longest reigning queen ever, it was really important to bring the children down to the commission to witness it.

Mr Tuicaumia said it was important for their children to know about great things in life and how Queen Elizabeth II was part of our Fiji in so many ways.

“With our curriculum we believe in global education and it’s important to keep the children aware of what’s happening around them,” he said.

Tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth II at the British High Commission in Suva on September 13, 2022 Photo: Nolishma Narayan

“We spoke about the Queen in the school with the children to keep them as part of this historical moment so that they know the purpose of making the bouquets which they had left outside the commission.”

We wanted to show these children what it means to come and share their condolences for someone like the queen,” he said.

One of the parents who attended, Anjeshni Prasad said that being a mother and knowing that all the children are keeping up with what’s happening around the world makes her proud.

British High Commission To Hold Memorial Service

The British High Commission is planning to have a memorial service for the late Queen Elizabeth II in Suva, later this week.

British Deputy High Commissioner to Fiji, Paul Welsh said the details at the moment were a bit sketchy but they will publish details regarding the memorial service on social media once confirmed.

Mr Welsh said Her Majesty the Queen was the head of the Church of England and her loss was immense.

“Our flag flies at half-mast until after the funeral. We have a condolence book here, open for anybody who wants to come along and sign it.”

“We also have an online condolence book, the details of which are on our social media channels if people are unable to attend they can sign online.”

“We’re talking to the Anglican Church here in Suva, about there being a special service of remembrance for Her Majesty the Queen.”

He said the state funeral will be on Monday, the 19th of September at Westminster Abbey.

Feedback: nolishma.narayan@fijisun.com.fj